5 Tips for High-Density WiFi Deployment

High-density WiFi deployment can make or break a large venue or event. Here’s how to make sure you get it right.

Whether you’re connecting a campus, an event center, a stadium, a theater or any other large public venue, there’s no denying that high-density WiFi design is a major challenge. There’s also no denying that it’s absolutely crucial to the success of large public events in today’s era of instant connectivity.

Connectivity has become as indispensable to our culture as the air we breathe, and failing to ensure strong WiFi in high-density situations is a non-starter for today’s audiences. However, the technology and infrastructure required to deploy robust WiFi into high-density event spaces can be overwhelming. With a range of specialized tools like high-density access points and purpose-built endpoint management systems, selecting the right hardware for high-density scenarios represents a monumental challenge.

That’s why knowing which products to employ, which design approach is best, and who to partner with are so critical to success. Here are five tips to help you navigate your high-density WiFi deployment with ease, confidence, and (ultimately) success. 

1. Know Your Space

The trickiest thing about high-density WiFi deployment? The fact that no two venues are the same. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution to WiFi for large venues and events. From the size and shape of the location to the vast number of unique infrastructure considerations, high-density WiFi solutions will vary widely from one deployment to the next.

The dimensions of the building(s) and/or outdoor spaces, the construction materials used, the shape of the area, and even the juxtaposition of architectural and structural components will impact your network’s design and equipment needs. Maximizing signal strength and bandwidth requires a full understanding of the layout and characteristics of your space — without it, you can’t provide your networking partner with the information necessary to execute a quality deployment.

That’s what makes an initial site survey of the radio frequency (RF) environment so essential to achieving a high-density WiFi network that performs in accordance with your needs. The first step of any high-density WiFi solution should begin with floor plans and/or aerial views of the location, which can then be utilized to:

• Document building materials to allow for accurate signal propagation and pinpoint sources of interference
• Provide rough estimates of on-site measurements
• Optimize high-density WiFi access point locations for coverage and serviceability, including cabling considerations
• Identify areas of particular concern, such as locations of especially high user volume or bandwidth-heavy applications
• Account for any outdoor coverage requirements and establish basic equipment needs

Equipped with this foundation of basic knowledge, you’ll be able to make an informed transition into the deployment process.

2. Understand Your Limits

There are bound to be circumstances that can hinder your ability to deliver an optimal WiFi experience in high-density scenarios. As such, you should evaluate your venue’s limits and work to identify the most suitable solutions. You should begin by determining your capacity and bandwidth needs — not just for now, but also taking possible future needs into consideration.

Ask probing questions that shed light on your limits:

• Are there areas in which your existing setup is impeding high performance?
• What are you interested in improving upon?
• What are your capacity demands at present? How do you anticipate they’ll change in the next 5-10 years?
• What types of applications are expected to have access?
• Is your technology poised to support your goals into the future?

By thoroughly investigating these limits, you’ll be able to identify any potentially problematic factors and determine how to design your high-density WiFI network for maximum connectivity. Today’s users expect anytime, anywhere WiFi access, and you’ll only be able to offer that with a deep understanding of the unique environment in which your high-density WiFi network is deployed.

3. Always Be Thinking About Security

Security is paramount to any high-density deployment, which means it should be top of mind with every decision you make. With so many devices accessing the network simultaneously, you’ll need to incorporate robust security features to protect both your end users and your own organization from cybercriminals and other cybersecurity threats.

Remember, the best cybersecurity approach is a proactive one. Think about what kind of partnerships and supporting technologies will be needed to deliver a secure WiFi experience. A well-protected network will take the form of a multi-layered security architecture that includes:

• An initial network assessment and security audit to identify and understand any factors that could jeopardize your network security
• Traffic inspection and asset management
• Advanced threat protection via robust (and up-to-date) software solutions
• State-of-the-art hardware that’s in good working order
• A properly installed, standards-compliant cabling system
• The ability to define and manage privileges across your user base

Don’t make the mistake of taking a “wait and see” approach to network security. Opting to address issues reactively can open up your organization to data exfiltration, reputational damage, and other costly consequences. Make security an integral component of your WiFI deployment, weaving it into each and every step of the planning and implementation processes.

4. Learn Outside the Box

You don’t have to make decisions about your network in a silo; take the time to make use of your resources, research industry best practices, and evaluate how your partners and/or competitors have succeeded or failed with similar high-density WiFi projects. Speaking with experts in your position at similar organizations or venues can help you uncover answers to some of these key questions. Ask:

• What has worked for these organizations?
• Do they struggle in similar or different areas?
• What can their successes and failures teach you?

Learning from the experiences, mistakes, and successes of others can give you a significant advantage as you deploy your own high-density wireless network. Communicating with others can take much of the guesswork out of the process and position you for a successful implementation.

5. Opt for Expert Support

Without a doubt, the most effective way to ensure your WiFi deployment is a successful one is to choose a partner with the knowledge, skills and experience necessary to identify and meet your venue’s unique requirements. It’s critical to find a network provider that features scalable, future-proof, and easy-to-use solutions — one that can support your high-density WiFi needs as they scale. Your high-density WiFi provider should:

• Understand the challenges of user density, bandwidth and network security
• Deliver solutions and capabilities designed to elevate the user experience
• Be able to easily navigate the numerous configurations of a typical large public venue
• Provide flexible network solutions to meet diverse requirements

Finding providers capable of helping you take your high-density WiFi deployment from a bullet point on a scope of work to a finished product can be a frustrating endeavor. Luckily, you’ve come to the right place. With nearly three decades of experience designing and installing high-performing WiFi network for high-density environments, the experts at TTI are prepared to help you deliver a flawless wireless experience to your audiences. Get in touch to learn how partnering with TTI could give you the resources you need to succeed in your next high-density WiFi deployment.

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